Introduction
Pacemaker implantation surgery is done to treat diseases that impact the rhythm of your heart. The heart depends upon its electric system in order to keep it beating regularly and efficiently pump blood through the body. If the system is malfunctioning it can result in an arrhythmia, an issue where the heart beats too slow and/or too quickly or in irregular patterns. A pacemaker can help to regulate the heart rhythm, and helps restore function. This blog we’ll go over various medical issues and reasons which make the implantation of a pacemaker necessary.
1. Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)
a. What exactly is it?
Bradycardia is the heart’s rate being less than normal — usually less than 60 beats per min for adults. Although it is normal for people who are physically active however, for others it could be an indication of a problem in the electrical system of the heart.
b. Why is it necessary to have the use of a pacemaker?
A steady slow heart rate could cause tiredness, dizziness, a breathing problems and even fainting, because the body isn’t receiving sufficient oxygen-rich blood. Pacemakers help to regulate and maintain a normal heart rate, particularly when the heart’s rhythm is slow caused by aging or illness.
Bradycardia usually results from a problem with the sinoatrial (SA) node which acts as the heart’s pacemaker. In the event that the SA node is firing electrical signals that are too slow or if it blocks the signal prior to they reach the lower chambers (ventricles) the pacemaker is required to regulate the heart’s rhythm, and to ensure that the heart beats effectively.
2. Heart Block (Atrioventricular Block)
What exactly is it?
The condition of heart block occurs where the electrical signals between lower chambers (atria) and the lower chambers (ventricles) are either blocked or delayed. There are three types of heart block and the severity of the block determines the course of treatment.
What is the reason it needs the use of a pacemaker?
In third-degree and second-degree (complete) the heart is blocked in two degrees (complete) the electrical impulse either significantly delayed or is unable to reach the ventricles, leading that the heart’s beat to become irregular, or slow. This may cause serious symptoms such as syncope (fainting) and fatigue or even cardiac arrest. A pacemaker is a second way to send the signal, and helps restore the normal rhythm.
The third degree heart block particularly it is a medical emergency. It causes the ventricles and the atria to beat at a different rate, disrupting the rhythm of heartbeats. A pacemaker implanted in the heart is used to control the heartbeats atrial as well as ventricular, which allows efficient blood flow and limiting the risk of life-threatening complications.
3. Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS)
What exactly is it?
Sick Sinus Syndrome is a collection of heart rhythm problems that are caused by issues of the SA node. It may cause the heart to beat too slowly (bradycardia), too quickly (tachycardia), or alternate between the two (bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome).
What is the reason it needs the use of a pacemaker?
SSS affects the heart’s ability to keep an even and consistent pace, which can cause fatigue, fainting, palpitations and even confusion. A pacemaker helps ensure a constant beat is achieved, particularly during bradycardic events.
In SSS an inoperable SA node may cease sending signals for a short period or the signals could change in frequency. This is more frequent for older people because of the age-related scarring to the cardiac conduction system. Pacemakers compensate for insecure signals by continuously keeping the heart paced when needed.
4. Atrial Fibrillation and SVR
What exactly is it?
Atrioventricular fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and frequently rapid heart rhythm that is triggered within the atria. In some instances, AFib leads to a slow ventricular response. This is because lower chambers aren’t beating sufficiently fast.
Why is it necessary to have the use of a pacemaker?
A pacemaker is used to ensure a healthy heart rate when treatments or ablation procedures used to treat AFib slow the heart rate too excessively. It serves as a security net in that it ensures the ventricles are beating at a suitable pace to maintain circulation.
Treatment for AFib may involve medications that block the AV node in order to limit fast heartbeats. But, this could result in bradycardia. The pacemaker could be implanted prior to the time of surgery in order to permit the safe use of these drugs to avoid a severe slowing in the cardiac system.
5. Congenital Heart Block or Electrical Abnormalities
What exactly is it?
Certain people are born with problems in the heart’s electrical conduction system, like an abnormal heart. These issues are identified earlier in life, and occasionally even while in the womb.
Why is it necessary to have the use of a pacemaker?
Children and infants who have congenital conduction disorders might lack a pacemaker that is sufficient to satisfy the body’s demands. A pacemaker helps ensure a stable and healthy heart rate, that is vital for healthy development and growth.
Congenital heart block may occur as a separate condition or in conjunction with structural heart issues. Pacemaker implant for children is more difficult because of the growth factors however modern pacemaker systems can be adapted and are designed for long-term use and maintenance.
6. Post-Cardiac Surgery or Heart Attack
What exactly is it?
A few patients suffer from problems with electrical conduction following the procedure (e.g. valve replacement or coronary bypass) or suffer a heart attack because of the damage to the heart’s tissue.
Why is it necessary to have the use of a pacemaker?
If the electrical pathways of the heart have been damaged it may result in bradycardia, or complete heart blockage. Pacemakers restore the rhythm of the heart and avoids postoperative complications and sudden cardiac events.
Conduction system can be caused by surgery close to the AV node and bundle branches. Additionally, myocardial infarction could affect the AV and SA node regions. Temporary pacing is a possibility initially but a more permanent pacemaker is usually required when the problem persists.
7. Neuromuscular and Metabolic Disorders
What exactly is it?
Certain conditions of the system like amyloidosis, muscular dystrophy or sarcoidosis may alter the electrical circuit of the heart. The thyroid disorder or electrolyte imbalance can also affect the normal conduction of the heart.
Why is it necessary to have the use of a pacemaker?
If these conditions result in conduction blockages or bradycardia that are not fixed by treating the underlying illness, a pacemaker is required to ensure regular heart function.
The underlying disorders can invade or damage tissues of the heart, rendering the SA and AV nodes unresponsive hormone signals. Hypothyroidism and metabolic disorders slow the heart rate considerably. If treatment with medical care is not effective pacemaking becomes essential to alleviate symptoms and avoidance of complications.
Conclusion
A pacemaker becomes necessary when the heart is unable to maintain a stable and adequate rhythm by itself. The conditions like bradycardia heart block or sick sinus syndrome and complications following surgery are among the top causes of pacemaker implant surgery. In every case, timely intervention can help restore normalcy, improve the quality of life, or even avoid life-threatening complications.
